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First Crush
Learning of her inheritance-a vintage European home in sleepy southern California wine country-is a dream for adopted daughter Natalie Turner. The search to learn more about her birth family drives Natalie to renovate the dilapidated chateau into a stylish bed-and-breakfast complete with wine tastings amongst beautiful vineyards.
But danger awaits her around every corner of the aged home and every lush row of grapes. For twenty-five years a serial killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake. Now the Lakeview Slayer has his sights set on Natalie.
Nick Hardaway never recovered from his sister's murder-a victim of the Slayer. When news of the killer's latest murder breaks, Nick grows more determined to make amends for his sister's death, and joins Natalie in her renovations of the chateau. Natalie may hold the key to capturing the Lakeview Slayer before he kills again, but first the pair must decide if their newfound love is worth dying for.
But danger awaits her around every corner of the aged home and every lush row of grapes. For twenty-five years a serial killer has left a trail of bodies in his wake. Now the Lakeview Slayer has his sights set on Natalie.
Nick Hardaway never recovered from his sister's murder-a victim of the Slayer. When news of the killer's latest murder breaks, Nick grows more determined to make amends for his sister's death, and joins Natalie in her renovations of the chateau. Natalie may hold the key to capturing the Lakeview Slayer before he kills again, but first the pair must decide if their newfound love is worth dying for.
246 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2016
68 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig
9 books27 followersHello. I’m Ashley Ludwig.
I write love stories for a living.
Please visit http://www.ashleyludwig.com for more information.
I write love stories for a living.
Please visit http://www.ashleyludwig.com for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 23, 2016
First Crush by Ashley Ludwig is a contemporary Christian romantic thriller and wow what an amazing read it is. I read it in just two sittings. I could not put it down! Heart pounding, adrenalin pumping, an absolutely fabulous read.
God is very much at the heart of the novel. Tragedy will either push people away from God or draw people towards God. Within the novel there are both types of people. The good news is - God doesn't give up on us. "Just because he didn't believe in God doesn't mean God stopped believing in him." God will wait for us to return Him.
In the face of unthinkable pain sometimes God is the only secure place. "Only divine grace could see someone through pain like that." Life can be unbelievably cruel at times but turning to God and having Him walk beside us can be a comfort. As Natalie says "How did a family with no faith in God, or eternity, comfort each other?" In an uncertain world, clinging to God may be all that we can do.
There are new Christians within the novel, with the theme of new beginnings and second chances. Our past is behind us. We are a new creation in Jesus. Life may still be hard though. "So much for being washed white as snow. Nick felt more like that old shirt with the wine stain." Life can be a daily battle to put the past behind us. We need to recommit each day to the Lord.
The novel deals with the topic of fear but "fear wasn't from God. Light was the only thing to push back the shadows." When we feel afraid, we need to remember that God has already won the war. We need to shine His light into the dark areas. Fear can paralyse us and keep us trapped in the past. We need to face our fears and move forwards. "You can't hide in fear. Sometimes you've gotta take a stand."
The novel deals with some difficult themes - murder, abduction, gambling - the world is not a nice place. Being a Christian does not make one immune to bad things. Life is a battle against what we can see and a spiritual battle against evil and the forces of darkness.
Within First Crush there is the theme of identity. There are characters who are adopted. Some want to know their roots and find out about their biological parents. For others, that is not important. It is who has bought them up that matters. The whole nature versus nurture debate can be found within the novel's pages.
Prayer is of vital importance. Prayer is communicating with God. Prayer happens in good times - such as grace before meals and being thankful. In times of trouble, God should be the first person we call.
First Crush was an amazing novel. I really hope my review has done it justice. It was a powerful read with a gritty storyline. God was at the heart but not in a 'preachy' way, more in a 'part of everyday life' way. "Coincidence is just God showing up."
This was my first novel by Ashley Ludwig and I certainly want more, more, more. An absolutely fantastic read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
God is very much at the heart of the novel. Tragedy will either push people away from God or draw people towards God. Within the novel there are both types of people. The good news is - God doesn't give up on us. "Just because he didn't believe in God doesn't mean God stopped believing in him." God will wait for us to return Him.
In the face of unthinkable pain sometimes God is the only secure place. "Only divine grace could see someone through pain like that." Life can be unbelievably cruel at times but turning to God and having Him walk beside us can be a comfort. As Natalie says "How did a family with no faith in God, or eternity, comfort each other?" In an uncertain world, clinging to God may be all that we can do.
There are new Christians within the novel, with the theme of new beginnings and second chances. Our past is behind us. We are a new creation in Jesus. Life may still be hard though. "So much for being washed white as snow. Nick felt more like that old shirt with the wine stain." Life can be a daily battle to put the past behind us. We need to recommit each day to the Lord.
The novel deals with the topic of fear but "fear wasn't from God. Light was the only thing to push back the shadows." When we feel afraid, we need to remember that God has already won the war. We need to shine His light into the dark areas. Fear can paralyse us and keep us trapped in the past. We need to face our fears and move forwards. "You can't hide in fear. Sometimes you've gotta take a stand."
The novel deals with some difficult themes - murder, abduction, gambling - the world is not a nice place. Being a Christian does not make one immune to bad things. Life is a battle against what we can see and a spiritual battle against evil and the forces of darkness.
Within First Crush there is the theme of identity. There are characters who are adopted. Some want to know their roots and find out about their biological parents. For others, that is not important. It is who has bought them up that matters. The whole nature versus nurture debate can be found within the novel's pages.
Prayer is of vital importance. Prayer is communicating with God. Prayer happens in good times - such as grace before meals and being thankful. In times of trouble, God should be the first person we call.
First Crush was an amazing novel. I really hope my review has done it justice. It was a powerful read with a gritty storyline. God was at the heart but not in a 'preachy' way, more in a 'part of everyday life' way. "Coincidence is just God showing up."
This was my first novel by Ashley Ludwig and I certainly want more, more, more. An absolutely fantastic read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
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August 10, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/10/2019)! 🎁
June 14, 2017
There's plenty of mystery, suspense, romance, and faith in this compelling story.
June 8, 2017
First Crush is a great read with believable characters, compelling suspense, and a great twist. I highly recommend it for great reading you won't want to put down.
December 5, 2016
A good combination of mystery, suspense and romance mixed with a little bit of faith. A good read.
February 1, 2017
Twists and turns keep you in suspense!
Well written and easy to follow. It was a book that was hard to put down.i would definitely recommend it. To anyone!
Well written and easy to follow. It was a book that was hard to put down.i would definitely recommend it. To anyone!
December 25, 2016
This book is fantastic. It kept me engaged and guessing through much of the book. A couple things I figured out fairly early, but I didn't know how events were going to unfold. I very much liked Nick, and I loved Natalie's strength of character. She might have saved herself some trauma by listening to Nick and Dalton a little more often, but honestly, I rather think I might have done the same thing in ignoring them.
The characters were all well drawn and fully realized. None of the main characters were hollow caricatures, and even the secondary characters felt real. I was fully invested in Nick and Natalie's relationship, and the success of their venture. I loved Corie, and Nick's mother.
The romance built realistically enough that I'd call it a love story rather than a romance - except that it really did move quite fast. If I had one quibble with the story, it would be that the flow of time was a little confusing to me. There would be mention of days passing, and the work on the property progressing at super speeds, and then come to find out only a couple days had passed when with the amount of stuff going on it felt like it had been weeks. Probably distracting enough to knock off half a star.
I liked getting inside the bad guy's head - it really kept the suspense up for me. Early on, I thought I had worked out who the Slayer really was, and I thought that it would be quite the feat to pull off, but turned out I was wrong. LOL
As for content, there is mention of faith, but it did not feel in any way preachy. This is a clean read - one that doesn't stand out as clean, in that I wasn't thinking, "oh look, she replaced this dirty word with a cleaner one." It read smooth and there was no loss of interest for all that there is no sex or swearing. There is a bit of violence that mostly happens off screen, though we're given details of some of the fairly graphic results. I'd probably call it PG17, due solely to the two or three instances of violence.
The characters were all well drawn and fully realized. None of the main characters were hollow caricatures, and even the secondary characters felt real. I was fully invested in Nick and Natalie's relationship, and the success of their venture. I loved Corie, and Nick's mother.
The romance built realistically enough that I'd call it a love story rather than a romance - except that it really did move quite fast. If I had one quibble with the story, it would be that the flow of time was a little confusing to me. There would be mention of days passing, and the work on the property progressing at super speeds, and then come to find out only a couple days had passed when with the amount of stuff going on it felt like it had been weeks. Probably distracting enough to knock off half a star.
I liked getting inside the bad guy's head - it really kept the suspense up for me. Early on, I thought I had worked out who the Slayer really was, and I thought that it would be quite the feat to pull off, but turned out I was wrong. LOL
As for content, there is mention of faith, but it did not feel in any way preachy. This is a clean read - one that doesn't stand out as clean, in that I wasn't thinking, "oh look, she replaced this dirty word with a cleaner one." It read smooth and there was no loss of interest for all that there is no sex or swearing. There is a bit of violence that mostly happens off screen, though we're given details of some of the fairly graphic results. I'd probably call it PG17, due solely to the two or three instances of violence.
March 10, 2021
A must finish book.
I almost dismissed this book when the sense of evil started... I was not in the mood nor searching for that development... As I continued to read while on my treadmill (only time I read it) I became more open after analyzing....if the authors words provoke that much emotional response from me, perhaps the rest of her story is worth further discovery.
Her writing allowed effect visualization of the scenes and scenarios.
Although I still do not prefer reading such evil provoking writing, I give the author 5 stars for effective writing skills. The rest of the story has great positive emotional response as well.
I almost dismissed this book when the sense of evil started... I was not in the mood nor searching for that development... As I continued to read while on my treadmill (only time I read it) I became more open after analyzing....if the authors words provoke that much emotional response from me, perhaps the rest of her story is worth further discovery.
Her writing allowed effect visualization of the scenes and scenarios.
Although I still do not prefer reading such evil provoking writing, I give the author 5 stars for effective writing skills. The rest of the story has great positive emotional response as well.
December 1, 2017
Murder and Mystery
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little hard in the beginning, because there wasn't a lot of background given on the characters, but it would have ruined the story, if she had done that. Enjoyed the book. Good, clean read.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little hard in the beginning, because there wasn't a lot of background given on the characters, but it would have ruined the story, if she had done that. Enjoyed the book. Good, clean read.
March 18, 2021
Dreams? Yes they can come true.
This book has mystery, fear, danger, death, teasing, flirting, love for family, friends, and for each other. You will find so much in this story. But God has plans for which we have no knowledge.
This book has mystery, fear, danger, death, teasing, flirting, love for family, friends, and for each other. You will find so much in this story. But God has plans for which we have no knowledge.
July 11, 2021
What a page turner
I was just blown why this storyline. The turns and twists, the heart aches and lost faith and lost family. Racing to the end , had me on the edge of my seat. But God had other plans.
I was just blown why this storyline. The turns and twists, the heart aches and lost faith and lost family. Racing to the end , had me on the edge of my seat. But God had other plans.
June 21, 2017
First Crush.
A good story, with suspense and characters full of life. Just a little bit of excessive religiosity that was jarring for a Heathen.
A good story, with suspense and characters full of life. Just a little bit of excessive religiosity that was jarring for a Heathen.
July 24, 2017
Enjoyable
I liked this story. There was more intrigue than romance though. I thought the time line was a little fast but enjoyed the characters and plot.
I liked this story. There was more intrigue than romance though. I thought the time line was a little fast but enjoyed the characters and plot.
February 28, 2018
Wait for it.
I enjoyed reading this book. It held my interest and I did not know who did what before I should have. Will be reading more more by Ashl5.
I enjoyed reading this book. It held my interest and I did not know who did what before I should have. Will be reading more more by Ashl5.
March 5, 2019
3.5 Stars
Better than I was expecting. Interesting mystery, fairly compelling characters.
Better than I was expecting. Interesting mystery, fairly compelling characters.
August 23, 2019
Awesome Book
I could not put this book down. Great story! I highly recommend this book. It's a clean story that was very enjoyable.
I could not put this book down. Great story! I highly recommend this book. It's a clean story that was very enjoyable.
May 5, 2020
A wonderful story
A suspenseful Christian mystery. Kept me on edge of my seat until completed. I like a story that has a good storyline.
A suspenseful Christian mystery. Kept me on edge of my seat until completed. I like a story that has a good storyline.
June 1, 2020
Great read. !!
It was a clean suspense romance. I enjoyed the family relationships and the interaction in the family. I would definitely recommend it.
It was a clean suspense romance. I enjoyed the family relationships and the interaction in the family. I would definitely recommend it.
September 6, 2017
This story was very different from what I was expecting. I was not expecting the intrigue and suspense, but there was plenty of it. The story unfolds at a good pace and gives tidbits of information along the way. The characters are all wonderful, especially the two main characters, Natalie and Nick.
It's a sweet and sensitive love story with potential complications. One of the best stories I've read this year. Highly recommend if you like sweet, clean, and somewhat suspenseful romances. Will definitely want to read more from this author.
It's a sweet and sensitive love story with potential complications. One of the best stories I've read this year. Highly recommend if you like sweet, clean, and somewhat suspenseful romances. Will definitely want to read more from this author.
February 5, 2017
Modern day Thriller
Artfully crafted thriller!
Masterfully woven family history, love, redemption and forgiveness,, with a strong fusion of faith in Christ Jesus that flows,naturally and seamlessly throughout the narrative. Well worth my time and attention , and yours!
Jerry Izor
Newark, Ohio
Artfully crafted thriller!
Masterfully woven family history, love, redemption and forgiveness,, with a strong fusion of faith in Christ Jesus that flows,naturally and seamlessly throughout the narrative. Well worth my time and attention , and yours!
Jerry Izor
Newark, Ohio
July 21, 2016
This was a beautiful, intriguing read from Ashley Ludwig. I was swept straight into beautiful Southern California wine country and the mystery and romance was just enough—sweet, first-crush worthy. She had me hooked and I was very satisfied with the ending. This is a perfect summer read.
January 26, 2017
This was good.
First time reading. This type of mystery from this author. I gave this a five star because she writes very wee and it held my interest, especially when i got past the first half of the story. This was very enjoyable reading
First time reading. This type of mystery from this author. I gave this a five star because she writes very wee and it held my interest, especially when i got past the first half of the story. This was very enjoyable reading
December 3, 2016
Good
this book is one that is all about to protect the person you love and how the past murders are part of how this serial killer murders .
this book is one that is all about to protect the person you love and how the past murders are part of how this serial killer murders .
May 8, 2017
Pretty good book
This was a pretty good book. It was well written and moved along well. I didn't care for the stalker part of the book but glad for the happy ending.
This was a pretty good book. It was well written and moved along well. I didn't care for the stalker part of the book but glad for the happy ending.
April 23, 2019
Interesting story investigating what's more important - our nature through our blood line, or how we're nurtured. The characters seem real and you feel as though you know them. There's lots of surprises that will keep you guessing. God is an important part of the lives of most of the characters. I do feel that the author could have shown more about how each character related to God, but what is included is good. There's lots of family, romance, mystery, and suspense. I really enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to others.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews